X Factor? More Like the ‘C’ Factor

Hey up!

Less than 4 weeks ’til Xmas – Im seeing Xmas trees up here and there already and it’s not even December yet.

 

 

Times are busy – but remember, there are ways to combat all the Christmas parties -as I wrote about in Women’s Fitness Magazine a while back.   (Even though it’s a different year……the same tips still apply! 

http://www.yournextlevelfitness.co.uk/?p=1211

 

Sometimes I wonder if people think that there is a ‘new’ way to staying shape.  People used to be in better shape than we are now!

 

 

 

If you live in Hull – you might like find this older article from 2004 highlighting the obesity level in Hull  (also, it mentions sex lives, and snoring!)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/3671493.stm

 

 

So in X factor – favourite Janet left.  Not that it’s important, but I wanted to talk about the ALL IMPORTANT

C FACTOR.

 

The c factor?…….What is it? I ll get to that in a minute.

A little pre- amble first!!

If you had to……………
If you had to pin point a few things that help you improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle, feel fit, strong and full of energy……what would you list?
 
You could list a great diet, with good food choices.  

Excellent.
You could list strength training.  resistance training has been proven to change body shape more permanently than aerobic exercise. 

Great.

 

You could list getting 7-8 hours sleep each night, and getting to bed early, with a lot of destressing before bed. 

 

 

                                                                                                                  (Max can be hard to move when he gets comfy)

Spot on.

 
Sorted!!!!!   We don’t need anything else do we?

 

So you do that for a week, and then you fall off the wagon.  Can you tell what the C stands for?
CONSISTENCY.

Consistency is doing those 3 major things (and some other smaller details), regularly……….until it becomes practically automatic.

 

Here are some of my top tips.
1. Consistently Eat Good Food

People often say that Good food often gets boring – coz its the same old ‘chicken and broccoli’ etc.   Heres what you need to do.

Spice food up.

There are LOADS of flavours in your supermarket.  Go wild!

Try different protein sources.
Chicken breasts can get boring.  Chicken legs are juicier.  Why not try lamb, pork, beef, salmon, tuna, mackeral, prawns, eggs……it soon becomes a little more exciting.
If you’re out and about, then preparation is key. Some quality protein and salad is a pretty good choice. If you can have some nuts to keep the hunger at bay until you get home – try that.

Consistently eating good food combined with exercise will be what separates you looking good and looking great……or looking a bit soft to looking firm.

 

 

2. Consistently Exercise

Even though Exercise is not as important as food choices – its is a big part of the puzzle.

Firstly, consistently get your exercise IN!!!

There are again a million different ways to arrange different exercise, different sets and reps, different intensities, different environments.

Sometimes we get that distracted from simply lifting, that we don’t do anything. Simplicity is key.

Yep, even just carrying a pair of heavy dumbells OUTSIDE can make a world of difference

 
3. Consistently Destress

Try not watching TV for an evening or even just the hour before bed.  Why not find 10 minutes to just sit in peace and relax?

Perhaps reading is what relaxes you? I dont’ know what does! 🙂

Talk with your significant other, a friend, or your family.

Meditate before bed.  This can be as simple as deep breathing and relaxing.

 

In summary…..

The best program and best meals in the world won’t do you any good if you’re not consistent with your habits. 

 

 
Now get to it, and nail it before picking another program or fad diet thats the ‘new way to thin.’

 
John